MG3 v Skoda Fabia v Suzuki Swift comparison test
This affordable hatchback sprung a surprise to challenge conventional thinking around compact cars.
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This is a good year for folks who appreciate affordable hatchbacks, a class of vehicle known in the industry as light cars.
Abandoned by manufacturers such as Ford, Honda, Renault, Hyundai and Nissan, it’s rare to find new metal in this class.
So the launch of three compelling options in the Skoda Fabia Select, Suzuki Swift Hybrid and new MG3 is a moment worth celebrating.
Skoda Fabia
VW’s Czech cousin raised eyebrows a couple of years ago when it launched a new hatchback as a single model priced from $37,999 drive-away.
We loved driving the Fabia Monte Carlo, but felt the high-dollar play was a bold strategy that might not work for customers.
The other half of its Fabia family has dropped, shaping up as a cheaper “Select” model available for $31,999 drive-away.
That’s about $7000 upstream from the 2021 entry point, though the new car has kit such as a digital dashboard, smart keys, LED headlights, and advanced driver aids that were not available back then.
As with other models in the Skoda showroom, the Fabia wins points with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and “simply clever” features such as compact umbrellas tucked into the front doors.
This new model combines an 8-inch digital dash and 8.25-inch touchscreen to good effect. The cabin has premium materials and the best ergonomics of the three cars gathered here.
It places you low in the cabin, with a textured, Audi-like flat-bottomed steering wheel directly ahead.
There’s no question the Fabia has the best motor of this trio.
It’s the only car here with a turbo, one that helps a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine make 85kW and 200Nm maximums.
The latter arrives earlier than you expect, accompanied by a charming (and distant) three-cylinder throb.
Unsurprisingly, it drives like a European car. That means there is a crisp precision to the steering, and a lack of body roll from suspension that js tauter than most alternatives.
It feels accurate and confidence-inspiring to drive in the cut and thrust of metropolitan traffic.
Skoda’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto as an asset too, helping keep fuel consumption to a claimed 5.8L/100km.
Skoda Fabia Select
Price: $31,999 drive-away
Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo, 85kW and 200nm
Warranty/Service: 7-year unlimited km, $2650 7 years
Safety: Six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert
Thirst: 5.8L/100km
Cargo: 380 litres
Spare: Repair kit
Suzuki Swift
If you want to use less fuel, the Suzuki Swift is a no-brainer. Now powered by a three-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance, the baby ‘Zook requires just 4.0L/100km to make 61kW and 112Nm peaks.
It works harder than the Skoda to do so, making much more noise as the 1.2-litre motor and CVT auto spin to deliver progress.
A trim figure helps the Swift keep fuel use in check. It’s the only car here that weighs in under a tonne, which is a rare achievement in 2024.
That lack of mass reaps rewards every time you go, stop, or change direction – it’s a joyous little thing to hustle along a favourite road.
Looking inside, the cabin already feels dated with conventional analog dials either side of a tiny digital readout.
It’s worth mentioning that none of these cars have current ANCAP safety scores, and we’re not sure they could get five stars.
But the 9-inch touchscreen in the Swift’s centre console is a good one, with sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and cable-powered Android Auto.
The GLX model we tested has heated seats and wireless phone charger that help justify an asking price of $29,490 drive-away.
Space is at a premium, particularly when you lift the tailgate to find the smallest boot of this lot.
The Swift is also the most expensive car to service, though not by much.
We can’t imagine customers switching allegiances due to an extra $20 here or there.
But Suzuki’s five-year warranty might encourage them to look elsewhere.
Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX
Price: $29,490 drive-away
Engine: 1.2-litre 3-cyl hybrid, 61kW and 112Nm
Safety: Six airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert
Warranty: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1955 for five years
Thirst: 4.0L/100km
Cargo: 265 litres
Spare: Repair kit
MG3
A less than stellar reputation for quality in the previous model prompted MG to back its product with a 10-year guarantee that is the most generous in Australia.
That alone will be enough for some buyers to sign up for the MG3.
Those who do will be offered a choice of petrol or hybrid propulsion.
While we usually recommend hybrid grunt, the MG3 Hybrid’s inconsistent power delivery and higher asking price pushed us toward the standard petrol engine, found here in high-grade Essence trim for $26,990 drive-away.
That’s a sharp price when you consider the generous kit offered – including a 7-inch digital driver display and 10.25-inch touchscreen with nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 360 degree camera. You also get a sunroof and LED headlights, and the yellow paint of our test car is a no cost option.
The MG3’s cabin feels modern and sporty, with its unshrouded driver instruments, orange stitching, black headlining and sports seats.
It really doesn’t feel like the cheapest car here – at least when parked.
Out on the road, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre motor feels sluggish compared to the lighter Swift and turbo Skoda.
MG reckons it needs 6.0L/100km to make 81kW and 142Nm, and those numbers might have come from generous testing equipment as it doesn’t feel particularly punchy.
It also has the least steering feel and most body roll of the cars assembled here, but is no means disgraceful to drive.
MG3 Essence
Price: $26,990 drive-away
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol, 81kW and 142Nm
Safety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert
Warranty/Service: 10-year/250,000km, $1838 5yrs
Thirst: 6.0L/100km
Cargo: 293 litres
Spare: Space saver
Verdict
The MG3’s generous warranty, long features list and modern cabin earn a narrow win today. Pick the Suzuki if you want to drive a delightful throwback to simpler times, or the Skoda if you’re ready for a more sophisticated driving experience.
Originally published as MG3 v Skoda Fabia v Suzuki Swift comparison test
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